I bought this eye shadow quad a few months ago but I only made the review just now because I wasn’t really into eye shadows before. I was once a “dash of blush on and pink or red lipstick and I’m good to go” gal but then one day, I realized the need to reinvent myself and add more color into my face thus the frequent use of this.

Black Radiance is a US makeup line distributed by Marwins Beauty Products Inc, the same company that distributes Wet n’ Wild products. I wasn’t expecting anything spectacular from this eye shadow quad given the price and lack of review from other users. But since I was aiming for neutral look and my only option is this quad during that time, I decided to go for it.

The product comes in a black plastic case but the texture of the case appears like sticky rubber to me. This may not be carded but it has plastic safety seal to ensure the buyer’s protection. This Black Radiance eye shadow also comes with two one-sided sponge applicators as well as a small mirror attached to the lid. Over time, the case has attracted makeup residue so if you can see mine, you will notice brownish spots in some areas. :D

What I like about this product:
Though the colors are soft, for me the formulation is highly pigmented hence you will never have to use large amount of product and apply again and again to come up with the desired shade. They are easy to blend too and can create multiple looks with this quad alone. Additionally, with eye shadow primer, the eye shadow stays on my lids for more than eight hours. The creases, if ever they appear, are not easily noticeable. Amazing isn’t it?

What I do not like about this product:
Despite the satisfactory performance of the eye shadow on my skin, I find this a bit dusty. Even when I gently rubbed the sponge applicator on the product, the compact eye shadow turned powdery. No wonder eye shadow particles are all around the container. When applying eye shadow with a brush, I also noticed eye shadow particles fell off my lashes and eventually under my eyes. The packaging looks cheap to me as well. As what I have said, the case is like a sticky rubber that tends to magnet every particle that it comes in contact with (Try sticking scotch tape or packing tape into a surface. When you remove the tape, you will see some sticky residue. That is what I meant with the sticky rubber packaging.). :D

left-right-down-up (palette)

Will I repurchase?
Though I like the staying power and pigmentation of this eye shadow, I probably won’t buy one any time soon. Aside from its limited availability in my area, my goal right now is to try various brands/type so I have slim chances of buying this product.

Tips:
When applying this eye shadow, it is better to use sponge applicators to avoid fall off and scatter eye shadow particles in your eye area. If you prefer using eye shadow brush, do not forget to tap off the brush before applying to remove excess. Another thing to bear in mind is to clean the container after every use. Doing so will prevent particles from transferring to one pan from the other. It will also make the quad look clean.

This is my first liquid eyeliner and to tell you frankly, I had trouble using this. Not that this isn’t any better but I simply do not have enough expertise in using liquid eyeliner. But after watching lots of video tutorials on YouTube and constant practice, I finally came up with a decent look. :D

I got this liquid eyeliner in brownish black and it was only later when I realized that I shouldn’t have gotten this color since it does not match my black lashes and eyebrows. Nevertheless, I find this color perfect for light or nude makeup and when I do not fancy having that noticeable smoky eye look.

Maybelline Stiletto Ultimate Precision comes with a flexible felt tip that glides smoothly in the skin. Since the tip is flexible and not really thin, I sometimes find it hard to control therefore unable to create desired lines. Additionally, the color appears sheer to me thus I need to re-dip the tip back into the container multiple times and re-apply to have that solid brown look.

The product claims to stay for up to eight hours but for me it lasted for only four hours or so. The color is already faded at the end of the day. Perhaps it is due to my oily skin and our tropical weather that tends to melt makeup faster. :D

I got this for Php 200 (around $4-$5) from a co-worker who sells authentic makeup and colognes. Although it isn’t expensive, I think this product is simply not for beginners and those who suck in applying liquid eyeliner like me. But at least I now have an idea what to look for in my next liquid eyeliner purchase.

Product Description:
A liquid liner that allows you the ultimate control to create any line you want!
• Elongates your lash line to shape and define eyes like never before
• Our flexible felt tip glides on smoothly for the most precise control
• No tugging, no dragging
• All-day wear up to 8 hours
• Safe for sensitive eyes and ophthalmologist-tested
• Contact lens safe

The items I purchased from eBay arrived a few days ago. Actually, this is the third time I purchased from this buyer (jnlink777) and I didn't have any problems with transaction or shipping so far. Thanks God! She even sent me freebies this time. Wooot!

Just last week, I finished a bottle of L’oreal Total Repair 5 shampoo. I didn’t have plan of trying this shampoo but it caught my attention when the salesgirl assigned in the toiletries section said that it has Php 5 discount. :D I know it isn’t much but considering that it is cheaper than Pantene during that time, I decided to go for it. Anyway, I have been using Pantene for years and making that change is kinda hard for me because Pantene is what helped me treat my damaged hair due to straightening.

Aside from discount, a few of my friends have been saying good things about this shampoo hence another reason for the switch.

One 180ml bottle probably lasted for a month and here’s the verdict if indeed it combat the five signs of damaged hair; breaking, dry, dull, coarse and split-ends.

What I like about this product:

Hair is really soft after use you can’t help but touch and comb it often.

The smell is typical shampoo smell, neither fruity nor musky.

Tames my hair a bit better than Pantene

The price is reasonable; its regular price is almost the same price as Pantene.

What I don’t like about this product:

It caused dandruff and itchy scalp.

I can still see falling hair on my pillow and each time I shampoo or comb my hair.

Product Description:
The first total reparation of the 5 signs of damaged hair with Cement-Ceramide, L’Oreal’s exclusive active ingredient, that works similarly to natural hair cement. It keeps hair strong and healthy by filling in cracks for strengthened and resilient hair and sealing hair scales for replenished moisture and ultra-smooth and ultra-shiny hair surface. Split-ends are prevented.

I bought Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Custom Face Perfector Cream Foundation not so long ago but reviewed this just now because I am still trying to observe its performance. And besides, I am only a beginner when it comes to make up so it is kinda challenging to review make up products. In fact, this is my first ever foundation so please bear with me. :D

Based on Makeup Alley, a review site for makeups, the average rating of this foundation is 3.6 with 60% out of 35 reviewers saying to buy again. For me, products rated 3 and above should be given the benefit of the doubt so I decided to give this a try.

Since it is a cream compact foundation, its package is almost similar to that of a pressed powder, not a jar. The first layer contains the cream and the second layer in which you have to twist the container is where the sponge is placed. It comes with a double-sided sponge colored white and pink. The white side should be used for full coverage and to hide imperfections while the pink side is for sheer coverage that blends away fine lines. Hence, I use the white side for heavy makeup and the pink side for light application. I even tried applying the cream using my fingers but it can be messy at times so I stick to using its custom applicator.

While it indeed hides imperfection, this made my skin oily a few hours after application. I think I need to look for a finishing powder to partner this foundation.

I rarely use this during regular days because I prefer using powder especially in the office so this 9-gram cream may take a while to finish.

By the way, I got a sandy beige medium 1 shade.

Ingredients:

What I like about this product:

It hides the face’s imperfections when applied using the white side of the sponge.

It has SPF 18 sunscreen.

It comes with a custom applicator giving you the option between sheer and full coverage.

It is easy to apply and blend.

The price is reasonable since I bought mine in eBay.

What I don’t like about this product:

Without using finishing powder, it made my skin oily a few hours after application.

I learned from reviews that this has been discontinued.

Rate:

Update:
I have been using this daily with Celeteque Dermosciene Acne Solutions Oil Control Toner before applying this foundation and Covergirl Outlast Pressed Powder as finishing powder. It may not totally prevent the oil but at least the effect is ok for me.

About Me

Hi! I'm Cecille, the person behind RuralDame.Com. I am an Iloilo-based mama who blogs about home and family life, beauty, travel and food. Read more about me and my day-to-day shenanigans with my now one-year old boy and his gamer papa.